Nu Zhen Zi (Privet Fruit, Ligustrum)

Herb 8 of 15 in Herbs that Tonify Yin

Channels:

KI, LIV

Properties:

Bitter, Sweet, Cool (or Neutral)

Latin:

Fructus Ligustri Lucidi

Chinese:

女真子

Tone Marks:

nǚ zhēn zĭ

Alt Names:

Nu Zhen, Dong Qing Zi, Nu Zhen Shi

Translation:

Female Chastity Seed

Chinese Herb Actions

• Tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin and Jing
  For dizziness, spots before the eyes, prematurely grey hair, tinnitus, sore and weak low back and knees
• Clears Heat and Brightens the Eyes
  Treats vision problems including blurred vision, dry eyes, and diminished vision due to excess and Deficient conditions. For red and painful eyes due to Liver Yang Rising

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Do not use in cases of diarrhea due to Spleen and Stomach Deficiency leading to Cold
• Use caution in cases with Yang deficiency

Herb-Drug Interactions

• Nu Zhen Zi lowers plasma glucose levels. Combining this herb with anti-diabetic medication such as insulin or sulfonylureas may result in hypoglycemia. ¹²

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• None Noted.
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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 10-15 grams in decoction ¹²
• 9-18 grams in decoction ¹³

Chinese Herb Notes

• This herb is also useful in cases of lymph or lung tuberculosis due to Yin Deficiency.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Er Zhi Wan (Two Ultimate Pill)
  Category: Formulas that Nourish and Tonify the Yin